ROSEMOUNT, Minn - In a ceremony rich with military tradition, the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division command was passed at the Rosemount National Guard Armory, Dec 7 The occasion marks the beginning of a new era in 34th Red Bull Infantry Division history

Brig Gen Neal Loidolt assumed command of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division from Maj Gen David Elicerio who held the position since November 2010 The Change of Command ceremony symbolized the official transfer of individual authority and responsibility of an organization from the outgoing to the incoming commander

"Under Elicerio's command, our time-tested reputation for excellence [was] maintained in a splendid fashion, thanks to the hard work and dedication of nearly 23,000 Citizen-Soldiers aligned for training across eight different states," said Maj Gen Richard Nash, the Minnesota National Guard adjutant general, who was the presiding officer for the ceremony "It is now General Loidolt's opportunity to lead our exceptional men and women as the Red Bulls prepare to enter a century of service to our state and nation"

The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division will celebrate its 100th Birthday in 2017

"It is not lost on me that I am taking command of a storied Army division," said Loidolt, alum of St Cloud State University and Hamline University School of Law "Formed by Citizen-Soldiers from Minnesota, Iowa and other plains states in 1917, the "Sandstorm Division," as it was known then, laid a foundation that would shape the future of our nation's military

"I am both humbled and proud to be considered worthy to lead this great division and its great Soldiers," he said as he ended his speech "The challenges and opportunities before us are great and we are ready to excel"

During the ceremony, Elicerio spoke of the many accomplishments celebrated and also the challenges endured by the division over the time of his command Additionally, he spoke of the current preparedness of its Soldiers and the challenges that lie ahead

"There are many challenges that face us as we move forward into the coming years," he cautioned "Force structure adjustments, shrinking budgets, resiliency in the force the list goes on In this, the division is lucky to have the right person in Brig Gen Neal Loidolt to lead them in a turbulent time The Soldiers of this division will be lead by the best for the foreseeable future"

The official party also included Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Richard Nash and Chap (Maj) Michael Crawford Attending the event was the tenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen John Vessey, First Army Commander Lt Gen Michael Tucker, Maj Gen Harry Sieben, Maj Gen Jerry Lang, representatives for US Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, Minn Sec of State Mark Ritchie and Rosemount Mayor Bill Droste

Loidolt joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1984 and served in numerous senior staff positions and commanded troop units at the company, battalion and brigade levels, according to Lt Col Kevin A Olson, Minnesota National Guard's public affairs director He is a two-time combat veteran deploying to Iraq in 2006 as the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office's deputy director of operations and again in 2009 as the United States Division - South Chief of Staff

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.